Weight loss injectables

Obesity is on the rise globally and has increased substantially in recent decades. Lifestyle changes are the first step to prevent obesity or address weight loss, but for those struggling with sustaining a healthy weight, there are now alternative options. A new class of medication, GLP-1 drugs, shows promise as a treatment.

Two leading drugs, semaglutide (Ozempic® for diabetes and Wegovy® for weight loss) from Novo Nordisk and tirzepatide (Mounjaro® for diabetes and Zepbound® for weight loss) from Eli Lilly and Company, have shown the most effective impact.

Early results show positive effects leading to clear reductions in weight and clinical risk factors (BMI, HbA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol) – key drivers of many non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and respiratory diseases, COVID-19 and others.

To maximise the benefits, patients must adhere to treatment, manage side effects, and incorporate long-term lifestyle changes. If the success of a combined approach works, these drugs have the potential to play a role in the reversal of long-term outcomes of obesity, which have adversely impacted recent mortality trends. These behavioural modifications are critical for lasting success and overall wellbeing, especially for healthy ageing, and more so when discontinuing medications.

These drugs complement existing weight loss strategies, rather than acting as a standalone solution. Long-term effects, the ability to maintain weight loss after discontinuation, and cost-effectiveness continue to be reviewed.

For Life & Health insurers, the release of GLP-1 drugs may improve policyholders’ health and reduce morbidity, potentially leading to better outcomes for mortality, critical illness and disability income insurance.